Dear Friends,
On January 12th, after the First Vespers of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we had the joy of
clothing Brother Raphael Foshay in the habit of a novice. Brother Raphael has lived with our community
since October of 2001. Before coming to us he was Associate Professor of English at the University of
Victoria in Canada, and was a monk of the Orthodox Church. He holds a doctorate in English Literature and
literary theory.
The peafowl were released from captivity last month and now enjoy the freedom of the estate. In their first
days of liberty they wandered as far as the gate of the monastery and entered into some preliminary
investigations of the Abbey House car park. With the help of peanuts and ad hoc shepherding they have been
brought back to the environs of the monastery, where they appear happy to be.
I should like to bring to your attention, once again, the subject of vocations to the religious life and to
the sacred priesthood. Last year, with the help of your generosity, we were able to give considerable
assistance to seminarians from the Third World in their studies to be priests. There will be a special
collection (or two!) for this purpose during Lent this year. May I also remind you that, through the year,
any envelopes marked ‘vocations’ may be put into the collection basket at Mass or handed to a member of the
community. We ask not only your financial generosity but also the help of your prayers for those who are
taking their first steps in the religious life or in seminary. We particularly ask your prayers for those
in formation in our monastery and for those young men who have expressed interest in joining our own
community at Farnborough.
You will note that we have been obliged to raise the price of Laudetur for the first time since its
inception. We have included a subscription renewal form for those who receive the review by post. The new
price compares extremely favourably with publications of similar content and quality.
The shop is stocked with a good range of books for Lenten spiritual reading. Our Easter card range is also
available from the shop.
With all our good wishes and blessings
Sincerely in the Lord,
rchived 
ews
